yabai alternatives: 4 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave yabai: best features require partially disabling SIP, and no settings window; config and shell only. We ranked 4 alternatives by how directly each one replaces yabai, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. AeroSpace currently ranks first.
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Show all 4 alternativesThe best yabai alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best yabai alternative for most people
AeroSpacei3-style tiling that does not need SIP disabled, with its own fast workspaces.
Best yabai alternative for a free option
AmethystSimpler preset tiling layouts with a normal settings window.
Best yabai alternative for open source
RectangleManual keyboard snapping if automatic tiling turns out to be too much.
Best yabai alternative for Mac
HammerspoonGeneral Lua automation that can also script window arrangements.
yabai alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to yabai?
AeroSpace ranks first right now. i3-style tiling that does not need SIP disabled, with its own fast workspaces. Amethyst and Rectangle follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to yabai?
Yes. AeroSpace (open source), Amethyst (open source), Rectangle (open source) and Hammerspoon (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to yabai?
Yes: AeroSpace, Amethyst, Rectangle and Hammerspoon.
Why do people switch from yabai?
The complaints we hear most: best features require partially disabling SIP; no settings window; config and shell only; shortcuts need a separate tool such as skhd.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces yabai, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.